Are you experiencing compression pain when you chew or other symptoms of a problem with the root of a tooth? Has your dentist told you that you need a root canal? While a root canal may not be at the top of your list of desires, ignoring your dental needs can be extremely costly to both your wallet and overall health. Consider some of the following dangers of prolonging a root canal:
Loss of Tooth – Ultimately, not getting a needed root canal can end up in the loss of a tooth. The infection can spread to the gums and even to your other teeth. You don’t want to end up with gum disease or other problems due to delaying treatment.
Worsening Infection – When the roots of a tooth get infected, the condition won’t reverse on its own. You have to see a dentist to get the infected portion of the roots removed. Otherwise, the condition will continue to spread and cause the repercussions noted above.
More Difficult Treatment – The longer you wait, the further the infection spreads. This makes it tougher to treat, especially in back teeth that have more roots for the infection to spread to. The longer you have the infection, the more difficult it will be for a dentist to successful get to all of the infected material.
Continued Pain – The root canal will relieve the pain being caused by the infection. Why continue in constant pain when there is a way to relieve it? Once the pain is gone, it will be easier to eat and carry out other normal daily activities. Plus, pain affects a person’s mood, so your family, friends, and colleagues will probably be happy that you got the problem taken care of.
Whole Body Consequences – Infections in the mouth can easily spread via the bloodstream. This is why oral health has been linked to heart health by numerous studies. Delaying a root canal can actually put you at greater risk for heart problems or a stroke. Also, inflammation is commonly caused by such infections.
If you are worried about expenses, check to see if your insurance will cover the procedure. If not, your dentist will likely be able to work out an affordable payment plan. If your concern is pain, know that your dentist has many options to keep you comfortable during the procedure and that a root canal will actually stop the pain that you are presently experiencing.
While needing a root canal may not thrill you, ignoring it is a far worse option. Care for your overall body health and avoid costly dental treatments by addressing endodontic problems at the source. With the latest technology and advancements in the world of endodontics, root canals are far more comfortable and convenient than ever, and your smile will thank you!
